Fly from Pune to Port Blair (usually 1 stop via Mumbai/Chennai). Total door-to-door ~6–9h depending on connections — book early for December. Aim for a morning departure to arrive Port Blair by late afternoon.
Settle into a beachfront or city-center hotel (Couples: pick a quiet resort near Corbyn's Cove or Aberdeen Jetty). Recharge and brief stroll on Corbyn's Cove Beach which is open all day.
Visit Cellular Jail Museum (museum open ~09:00–12:00 & 14:00–16:00) and attend the Light & Sound Show in the evening (~17:30–18:30) to learn India’s freedom struggle in a moving performance.
Take the early government/private ferry from Port Blair to Havelock (duration ~1.5–3h depending on ferry). Book seats in advance — ferries can fill in December.
Join a certified operator for beginner scuba experiences (check availability & book in advance). Snorkeling at Elephant Beach (boat + beach) is a good alternate.
Anthropological Museum open ~09:30–17:00 (closed Monday) for local tribal history; Ross Island visit by boat (permits/ferry timings dependent) provides colonial ruins and deer sightings.
Either drive/train to Jodhpur (~5h) to see Mehrangarh Fort (open 9:00–17:00) and later Jaisalmer (~5–6h further) for desert romance — choose based on how far you want to travel.